Category Archives: News Coverage

– For information only – ABC News September 25th 2002 The managing director of Australian Silicon has denied yesterday’s decision to pull out of a proposal to build a charcoal plant on the New South Wales south coast was part … Continue reading →

Alan Jones 2GB Breakfast Show September 25th 2002 7:26am Transcript Published with permission Jones: Well one of the beauties of the modern developments in politics in the last only 18 months, is people power. A massive triumph yesterday on the … Continue reading →

– For information only – ABC News September 24th 2002 New South Wales Premier Bob Carr has announced the company behind the charcoal plant that was set to be built at Mogo on the state’s south coast has decided to … Continue reading →

– For information only –ABC News 23 September 2002Locals protest charcoal plant approvalThousands of people took to the streets of Batemans Bay on Saturday to protest about the State Government’s approval of a controversial charcoal plant for the Eurobodalla. The … Continue reading →

The Greens The Wilderness Society South East Forest AllianceMedia Release 23 September 2002Charcoal plant at Mogo sinks But who’s next?Australian Silicon has announced this afternoon that it will not be building a Charcoal Plant at Mogo, near Batemans Bay. This … Continue reading →

– For information only – ABC News September 21st 2002 There has been a massive display of community anger on the New South Wales south coast, where thousands have taken to the streets of Batemans Bay to protest against the … Continue reading →

– For information only –ABC News 20 September 2002MP claims move for charcoal plantThe Federal Member for Eden Monaro, Gary Nairn, says he has received information indicating the charcoal factory planned near Mogo, on the NSW south coast, will be … Continue reading →

– For information only- ABC News September 20th 2002 Batemans Bay police are warning drivers to expect traffic delays in the town’s central business district tomorrow with a huge turn-out expected for a rally against the charcoal plant proposed for … Continue reading →

IAN COHEN MLC THE GREENSMedia Release 19 September 2002Charcoal Smokescreen Plant Relocation Won’t save Forests,Towns or TourismGreens MLC Ian Cohen has warned that rumoured plans to relocate the controversial South Coast Charcoal Plant to Lithgow will not resolve the community’s … Continue reading →

– For information only –ABC Radio 19 September 2002Extract from Interview with Gary Nairn, Federal MP for Eden Monaro ABC Radio 8:45 19 September 2002“Various information has been coming to me in recent days with increasing signs that the Carr … Continue reading →

Media Release Andrew Humpherson MP Shadow Minister for Planning Shadow Minister for Innovation Member for Davidson 19 September 2002Govt still lying about Mogo Govt caught out over Timber Supply AgreementThe NSW Government was caught out in question time today when … Continue reading →

– For information only – ABC News September 19th 2002 Doctors and health professionals from the NSW far south coast will add their voices to a protest rally this Saturday against the charcoal factory development planned for the region. The … Continue reading →

– For information only – ABC News September 16th 2002 Labor Party representatives are breaking ranks over the NSW Government’s approval of the Australian Silicon charcoal factory planned near Mogo on the NSW south coast. The facility will supply charcoal … Continue reading →

South East Forest Alliance CHARCOALITION Australian National University Environment CollectiveMEDIA RELEASE 14 September 2002 Charcoal Blackens Country Labor ConferenceCommunity and conservation groups today staged a protest against the South Coast Charcoal Factory at the annual NSW Country Labor Conference being … Continue reading →

IAN COHEN MLC THE GREENSMedia Release 13 September 2002Charcoal Lies Blacken Labor – Inquiry Needed?Greens MLC Ian Cohen has called on the NSW Forest Minister Kim Yeadon , the Planning Minister Andrew Refshauge and Premier Bob Carr to explain why … Continue reading →

MEDIA RELEASE Thursday 29 August 2002Carr Bans Forest Energy Burn One Down, Two To Go!The South East Forest Alliance representing some 20 forest conservation groups today welcomed the Premier’s announcement that native forests would not be burnt for energy. However, … Continue reading →

Ian Cohen MLC The Greens Legislative Council, Parliament House Macquarie Street, SYDNEY 2OOO Ph: 02 9230 2603 Fax: 02 9230 2267 Mobile: 0409 989 466 Email: ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au Media Release 29 August 2002 Carr Stops Burning of Forests for Energy – … Continue reading →

– For information only –ABC News 29 August 2002Carr woos green vote The New South Wales Premier will this morning make a bid for the green vote at next year’s state election, by announcing a policy to stop native growth … Continue reading →

Published with permission Charcoal Plant may head to Lithgow The charcoal plant may head to Lithgow. the site here would be used for cutting and storing the timber, prior to transporting it via road and rail. Cr Vardon came up … Continue reading →

Andrew Humpherson MP Shadow Minister for Planning Shadow Minister for Environment Shadow Minister for Sydney water Member for Davidson MEDIA RELEASE 18 JULY 2002 Come Clean Premier……Carr crucifies boy’s reputation to cover Mogo Plant approval compromiseShadow Minister for Planning and … Continue reading →

Alan Jones 2GB Breakfast Show 18 July 2002 6:58AM Transcript Published with permissionJones talks about the proposed South Coast charcoal plant. Talks to Brett Mason who has just won the Freemason’s young achievers award for service to his community. ALAN … Continue reading →

Published with permission Hands up those who thought that the charcoal plant would use twigs, branches, stumps, and rotting residue from the forest floor! Kate Carnell, Executive director National Association of Forest Industries, stated in the Canberra Times of 20 … Continue reading →

Interview with Glen Klatovsky (Wilderness Society) – Transcript published with permission. AJ-Earlier this week I spoke about the extraordinary circumstances confronting people on the South Coast, who are being treated with contempt by the Premier himself, over the proposal to … Continue reading →

– For information only –ABC News 17 June 2002Councillors await charcoal survey results Eurobodalla councillors are expected to be presented with the results of an important community survey tomorrow. The questionnaire asked what role residents and ratepayers want their council … Continue reading →

Coastal Sun – 6 June 2002Articles associated with the Charcoal plant issue Published with permission  A United Nations adviser for the development of emissions trading world-wide says the NSW government did not account for greenhouse emission costs, when it assessed the … Continue reading →

Published with permission The Hidden Costs of Charcoal A United Nations adviser for the development of emissions trading world-wide says the NSW government did not account for greenhouse emission costs, when it assessed the development application for the charcoal plant … Continue reading →

– For information only –ABC News 4 June 2002Charcoal plant opposition from within ALP The NSW Government is continuing to meet opposition to its approval of the Mogo charcoal plant planned for the state’s south coast, even from within the … Continue reading →

– For information only –ABC News 3 June 2002Charcoal plant operators to reject poisoned treesThe developer of the charcoal factory approved for the Eurobodalla, on New South Wales’ south coast, says no poisoned trees will be burned in the facility. … Continue reading →

– For information only –ABC News 31 May 2002Charcoalition raises funds towards charcoal plant legal fightThe Charcoalition has almost reached the halfway mark in its bid to raise $100,000 to fund a legal challenge to the NSW Government’s approval of … Continue reading →

Published with permission Poisoned Smokescreen (State Agency Sells Tordon-Injected Trees for Firewood?) Tordon DSH – not exactly Agent Orange (which has 2, 4-D as an ingredient) – is not just a poison used to kill trees, as it comes complete … Continue reading →

Andrew Humpherson MP Shadow Minister for Planning Shadow Minister for Environment Shadow Minister for Sydney water Member for Davidson MEDIA RELEASE 29 May 2002Yeadon instructs CEO to defend him State Forest Chief spins to media The decision to call in … Continue reading →

Ian Cohen MLC The Greens Legislative Council, Parliament House Macquarie Street, SYDNEY 2OOO Ph: 02 9230 2603 Fax: 02 9230 2267 Mobile: 0409 989 466 Email: ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au MEDIA RELEASE 29 May 2002CHARCOAL PLANT INQUIRY NEEDED SECRET PLAN TO BURN POISONED … Continue reading →

Andrew Humpherson MP Shadow Minister for Planning Shadow Minister for Environment Shadow Minister for Sydney water Member for Davidson MEDIA RELEASE 28 May 2002Yeadon misled Parliament about Mogo tree poisoning Opposition Calls on Minister to resign The State Opposition today … Continue reading →

– For information only –ABC News 24 May 2002Controversial charcoal plant survey generates strong response There has been a strong response from people in the Eurobodalla to a survey to decide whether the local shire council should mount a legal … Continue reading →

Published with permission Warning from Port Kembla Helen Hamilton, from Port Kembla, travelled to Batemans Bay on Sunday specifically to warn residents and ratepayers that ‘significant’ developments, such as the Port Kembla Copper Smelter, can have dire consequences. She was … Continue reading →

Published with permission Greens MLC Ian Cohen, with the help of the Greens and the Democrats passed a motion of no confidence in the Carr Government over its decision to approve the charcoal plant at Mogo. All Labor supporters with … Continue reading →

SENATOR THE HON. IAN MACDONALD Minister for Forestry and Conservation 16 May 2002 Brown misleads Senate on Mogo charcoal plant Greens Senator Bob Brown has mislead the Senate in relation to the proposed charcoal plant at Mogo near Batemans Bay, … Continue reading →

– For information only –ABC News 3 May 2002Carr rejects charcoal plant legal challengeNSW Premier Bob Carr says any legal challenge over the approval of the charcoal plant near Mogo, south of Batemans Bay in the state’s south-east, would be … Continue reading →

– For information only –ABC News 2 May 2002Carr unfazed by predicted charcoal plant backlashNew South Wales Premier Bob Carr says he is not worried about a potential voter backlash over his Government’s approval of a controversial south coast charcoal … Continue reading →

NEW SOUTH WALES ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCIL Wednesday, 1 May 2002 **********Media Release*************** NSWALC OPPOSES CHARCOAL PLANT The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has joined residents and business people of the South Coast area, environmentalists and tourism groups in opposition to … Continue reading →

Media Release ~ New South Wales Timber Communities Australia Welcomes Positive Move By Carr Government On Mogo Carbon Facility…May 01 2002 Timber Communities Australia (TCA), today welcomes Premier Carr’s announcement that Government approval has been given for the establishment of … Continue reading →

Nature Conservation Council of NSW Media releaseWednesday 1 May 2002 South Coast burning after charcoal announcementThe NSW Government had blatantly misled the public over its claim that a charcoal plant, to be situated near schools and houses on the State’s … Continue reading →

Published with permission Let the People Decide! A five hour ‘Extraordinary Meeting’ of Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) was held on Tuesday to address requests from the community to help fund a legal appeal in the Land and Environment Court against … Continue reading →

Published with permission I feel that I must preface this editorial with the fact that for a large chunk of my voting life in this country, I voted Labor. I believed in their policies – in their desire to bring … Continue reading →

Coastal Sun – 18 April 2002Articles associated with the Charcoal plant issue Published with permission  A five hour ‘Extraordinary Meeting’ of Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) was held on Tuesday to address requests from the community to help fund a legal appeal … Continue reading →

Alan Jones Breakfast Show 16 April 2002 7:20AM Charcoal PlantTranscript Published with permissionAJ Alan Jones CK Chris Kowal BM Brett Mason AJ Intro It is almost impossible to give justice to the issues that come across my desk which remain … Continue reading →

SOUTH COAST CHARCOAL PLANT IS A KEY ELECTION ISSUE – BOB CARR ON NOTICEMEDIA RELEASE 11 APRIL 2002Ian Cohen MLC The Greens Legislative Council, Parliament House Macquarie Street, SYDNEY 2OOO Ph: 02 9230 2603 Fax: 02 9230 2267 Mobile: 0409 … Continue reading →

Published with permission. The Eurobodalla Shire Council Works and Facilities Committee asked that conditions suggested by the community (to be included as conditions of consent for the proposed charcoal factory) be noted. The community, anxious that their amenity be retained … Continue reading →

Published with permission. Australian Silicon Limited (ASO) announced the completion of the acquisition of the minority ownership to consolidate 100% holding in the Australian Silicon Project. The Company paid Doral Mineral Industries Limited $1.4 million for the remaining 10% ownership … Continue reading →

Published with permission. Dear Editor (re letter by Keith Dance) Mercury was used in gold mining operations for the separation of fine gold particles through amalgamation then burning. Elmer Diaz, University of Idaho, states “during the amalgamation process, a good … Continue reading →

Published with permission The NSW Government has been warned it faces a united fight by the environmental movement if it approves a charcoal plant on the state’s south coast. Around 1500 people gathered at a rally in central Sydney yesterday … Continue reading →

The following summary was sourced from a number of articles in the Illawarra Mercury 6, 8 and 9 April 2002.To obtain full articles go to www.smh.com.au/newsstore/ and type in “copper”. Articles are $1 each – you need to buy tokens.Many promises were … Continue reading →

South East Forest Alliance         The Wilderness SocietyMedia Release 9 April 2002‘No Charcoal’ Rally Puts Forests on Hotlist for NSW Election Conservation groups today said that Sunday’s successful Sydney Domain rally against plans to woodchip and burn South Coast forests for charcoal … Continue reading →

MEDIA RELEASE 6 APRIL 2002Ian Cohen MLC The Greens Legislative Council, Parliament House Macquarie Street, SYDNEY 2OOO Ph: 02 9230 2603 Fax: 02 9230 2267 Mobile: 0409 989 466 Email: ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au Greens MLC Ian Cohen today claimed that the ‘No … Continue reading →

South East Forest AllianceThe Wilderness Society Media Release 5 April 2002 ‘No Charcoal’ Rally Gathers Wide Support Alarm at Threat To Woodchip and Burn South Coast Forests The conservation groups organising the major ‘No Charcoal’ Rally on the Sydney Domain … Continue reading →

Published with permission Refshauge Between a Rock and Hard Place In September 2001, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) wrote to Planning NSW in relation to matters to be addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), concerning the wood processing … Continue reading →

Published with permission. The movers and shakers behind the construction of the controversial charcoal plant at Mogo have ignored the offer of a free and viable site from an anonymous donor. The philanthropist offered Australain Silicon 500 acres freehold last … Continue reading →

Published with permission. The ‘Charcoal No Go’ message has reached Canberra, with a massive rally organised for 20 March in Civic. The protest will include speakers, bands, petitions and information stands. The rally has been organised by two Canberra residents … Continue reading →

Published with permission I’m Not a Liar! says Sun Reporter Last week the Sun reported an interview between Brett Mason and the NSW Premier, Bob Carr. Mr Carr stated that the charcoal plant was going ahead. 2EC, the local radio … Continue reading →

Coastal Sun – 14 February 2002Articles associated with the Charcoal plant issue Published with permission Three Councillors targeted ‘yellow ribboners’ in the gallery at a most extraordinary Eurobodalla Shire Council Meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Cr Dance gestured ‘Up you’, Cr Green … Continue reading →

Coastal Sun – 14 February 2002Articles associated with the Charcoal plant issue Published with permissionIn my role as Mayor, I am not allowed by Council to comment on the charcoal factory. I will of course keep on voicing my dissent as … Continue reading →

Published with permission “It’s Going Ahead!” Bob Carr speaks with ‘The Sun’ and congratulates local ‘Red Ribboner’ NSW Premier Bob Carr congratulated local charcoal factory supporter, Rodney Morley in Sydney last week for his stance on the development. Mr Morley … Continue reading →

Articles published with permission Editorial This week I had planned to skip my editorial but a chance remark during Council’s Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday changed my mind. Cr Vardon tried to shift blame for the charcoal plant onto Mayor … Continue reading →

Coastal Sun – 24 January 2002 Articles associated with the Charcoal plant issue Published with permission EDITORIAL Does the Eurobodalla Shire want a charcoal plant? NO is the resounding answer. Seventy-nine percent of the people who responded to the Sun … Continue reading →

From the desk of Cr. Peter Cairney My view re the charcoal factory has been challenged several times by the red ribbon brigade (people for the project). I always ask them why they want it. The answer is always the … Continue reading →

Designs on our coast? By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 17 January 2002) The state government appears to have totally ignored their objectives in the ‘Design Guidelines for the NSW Coast’, by declaring that the Nature Coast is … Continue reading →

Council image charred By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 10 January 2002) The General Manager of Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC), Jim Levy admitted in front of the entire council and a packed gallery that he may have breached … Continue reading →

By Heather Tindale Over 200 people attended a public meeting last Sunday [16 December 2001] hosted by Eurobodalla Shire Council to inform residents of their appraisal of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for the charcoal plant site. Also present were … Continue reading →

Charcoal site not studied – Nye By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 20 December 2001) Environmental Resources Management Australia (ERM), the company hired to produce an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for Australian Silicon has been questioned about its … Continue reading →

What do you think By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 20 December 2001) Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Strategic Objectives stated in the Management Plan 2001-2006 Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) interprets the community’s views and melds them with the Shire’s … Continue reading →

Kerrie Tucker MLA, Greens Member for Molonglo ACT Legislative AssemblyMedia Release 14 December 2001 Government to put in submission on charcoal plant The ACT Government is to put a submission to the NSW Government regarding the proposed charcoal plant near … Continue reading →

Ian Cohen MLC The Greens Legislative Council, Parliament House Macquarie Street, SYDNEY 2OOO Ph: 02 9230 2603 Fax: 02 9230 2267 Mobile: 0409 989 466 Email: ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au MEDIA RELEASE 12 DECEMBER 2001BOB CARR ADMITS FAILURE ON FORESTS BJELKE PETERSEN TACTICS … Continue reading →

A litany of ‘secrecy’ By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 13 December 2001) “A council must keep the local community and the State Government (and through it, the wider community) informed about its activities.” Local Government Act 1993 … Continue reading →

EUROBODALLA SHIRE COUNCIL MAYOR PETER CAIRNEYPRESS RELEASE 10 DECEMBER 2001The Charcoal Plant IssueAUSTRALIAN SILICON PTY LIMITED PROPOSED WOOD PROCESSING AND METALLURGICAL CARBON FACILITYA proposal by Australian Silicon to build a charcoal plant in the shire on a property between the … Continue reading →

Bravery in search of truth By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 6 December 2001) This week, in an act of bravery the Mayor of Eurobodalla Shire Council, Peter Cairney placed his job on the line to stave off … Continue reading →

South East Forest Alliance CHIPSTOP MEDIA RELEASE 9 November 2001 Charcoal Plant Will Decide Marginal Eden Monaro Seat – Labor Seizes Chance Conservation groups today welcomed the significant move by Labor’s candidate, Steve Whan, to clearly oppose the highly controversial … Continue reading →

Ian Cohen MLC The Greens Legislative Council, Parliament House Macquarie Street, SYDNEY 2OOO Ph: 02 9230 2603 Fax: 02 9230 2267 Mobile: 0409 989 466 Email: ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au MEDIA RELEASE 27 September 2001 RFA BILL DEAD – now for the South … Continue reading →

Map from the Bay Post September 12th 2001 For educational and reference purposes only.

SOUTH EAST FOREST ALLIANCE Media Release 30 August 2001 South Coast Charcoal Plant – Lies, Damned Lies and State Forests The South East Forest Alliance today warned that State Forests (the NSW logging agency) was not to be trusted in … Continue reading →

SOUTH EAST FOREST ALLIANCE Media Release 23 August 2001 New Threat To Woodchip and Burn Southern Forests The South East Forest Alliance today warned that the forests of the South Coast and Tumut are now under a huge new threat … Continue reading →

Published with permission. The ‘Charcoal No Go’ message has reached Canberra, with a massive rally organised for 20 March in Civic. The protest will include speakers, bands, petitions and information stands. The rally has been organised by two Canberra residents … Continue reading →

Ian Cohen MLC The Greens Legislative Council, Parliament House Macquarie Street, SYDNEY 2OOO Ph: 02 9230 2603 Fax: 02 9230 2267 Mobile: 0409 989 466 Email: ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au MEDIA RELEASE11 DECEMBER 2001SOUTH COAST CHARCOAL PLANT OPPOSED: COUNCIL DECISION IS A TURNING … Continue reading →